Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' locks premiere day, 3 years after tragedy
The Western film Rust is set for its world premiere in Poland at the end of November, three years after the tragic on-set shooting that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The incident occurred when lead actor Alec Baldwin discharged a prop gun that was supposed to be unloaded during a rehearsal scene at Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe. The film will be screened at Poland's Camerimage International Film Festival as a tribute to Hutchins.
'Rust' premiere to feature panel discussion on set safety
The Camerimage Festival will also host a panel discussion featuring director Joel Souza, cinematographer Bianca Cline, and Stephen Lighthill, Hutchins's mentor at the American Film Institute. Festival director Marek Zydowicz stated, "We knew that our event was important to her [Hutchins], and that she felt at home among cinematographers from all over the world." "Now, once again...we will have this special opportunity to remember her."
'Rust' filming resumed without tragic scene
Cline, who took over Hutchins's role on Rust after the tragedy, is expected to discuss how she attempted to replicate Hutchins's unique style during the panel discussion. The film production was resumed and completed in Montana last year. Souza confirmed to Vanity Fair that the scene involving the shooting will not be included in the final cut of Rust.
Hutchins's legacy and 'Rust' legal proceedings
Hutchins, a Ukraine-born cinematographer known for her work on Archenemy and Blindfire, was recognized as an emerging talent in her field. The festival organizers plan to use her story as a catalyst for discussions about the role of women in cinematography and their contributions to filmmaking. Another topic will be safety on movie sets. Meanwhile, armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is serving an 18-month sentence for involuntary manslaughter due to negligence during Rust's production.
'Rust' film synopsis and public reaction
Rust narrates the tale of a 13-year-old boy forced to care for himself and his brother after their parents' demise in the 1880s. The film's release has elicited mixed responses online, with some deeming it disrespectful due to the tragic circumstances surrounding its production. Others argue that not releasing it would be a waste of Hutchins's hard work and talent. It is currently unclear whether Baldwin will be attending the film's screening at the festival, which runs from November 16-23.
